Sethuraman Panchanathan Steps Aside as NSF (U.S. National Science Foundation) Adjusts to New Realities

Sethuraman Panchanathan Steps Aside as NSF (U.S. National Science Foundation) Adjusts to New Realities

 

Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), abruptly resigned on April 24, 2025, more than a year before his six-year term was set to end. The move comes as the NSF faces unprecedented turmoil under President Trump’s administration, which has ordered a 55% cut to the agency’s $9 billion budget and mandated layoffs for half of its 1,700 employees.

 

Panchanathan, a computer scientist and Trump appointee who has led the NSF since 2020, informed staff of his decision in a letter, stating, “I believe that I have done all I can to advance the mission of the agency and feel that it is time to pass the baton to new leadership.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the NSF’s critical role in maintaining U.S. scientific competitiveness.

 

The resignation follows a series of drastic actions at the NSF, including the termination of hundreds of research grants-particularly those focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and misinformation studies-as well as sweeping workforce reductions. These changes were implemented after the arrival of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has been tasked with slashing federal spending.

 

Panchanathan’s departure has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with many expressing concern about the future of U.S. research leadership and innovation.

 

Source: Science Magazine